Will of Archibald Alexander

Will of Archibald Alexander

In the name of God Amen, I Archibald Alexander of the County of Rockbridge being in a sick and weak Condition of Body but of perfect and sound Sence and Memory Thanks be to Almighty God, and Calling to mind the Mortality of my Body, do make this my last Will and Testament -- in Manner and form following, Principally I resign my Soul to God who gave it, Hoping for Mercy through Jesus Christ. My Body I Commit to the Dust to be Buried in a Decent and Christian Manner. ---

Such Worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with I have and Dispose of in the following manner. ---

First - I Order that all my Just Debts, and Funeral Charges be (next words cannot be seen on the copy) that my children be sufficiently Schooled

Secondly -- I Order that my wife and Children shall live together on my Plantation untill(sic) my Youngest Son Archibald Shall arrive at the age of Twenty one years, at which time I do Order my Plantation to be sold and the Money ariving from the Sale, Together with any personal Estate, shall be equally Divided amongst my Wife and Sons, John, James, Samuel and Archibald, and my Daughter Jane.

And I give and Bequeath to my Eldest son William the sum of twenty Shillings Current Money. ----

Lastly - I Constitute and appoint Samuel McDowell, Samuel Lyle, John McClung, William Alexander my son John Trimble Executors and my Wife Jane Executrix of this my last Will and Testament and also guardians to my Children and Empower them or any three of them to Execute a Deed for my Land when Sold.

In Witness whereof thereunto set my hand and Seal this 29th day of November 1779.

(Signed) Arch.d Alexander

Sealed & Delivered

in the Presence of

Wm. Graham

Wm. McClung

Peter Alexander

At a Court held for Rockbridge County February 1st 1780. ---

The last Will and Testament of Arch d Alexander dec.d was presented in Court by Samuel Lyle, John McClung, William Alexander and John Trimble Executors therein Named and proved by the Oaths of the Rev.d William Graham and William McClung Subscribing witnesses (he the said Sam.l Lyle haveing Remained the Executorship) Which is Ordered to be Recorded.--

And on the Motion of said Executors who made oath According to Law Certificate is granted them for obtaining Probat thereof in Due from Giving Surity; Where upon they together with John Bowyer and James Gilman Jun. their Securities entered into and Acknowledged Bond in the penalty of Fifteen Thousand pounds with Condition as the Law Requires Reserving a Liberty to the other Executors in the said will to Join in the probat thereof if they think fit.

Information on Archibald Alexander

Archibald Alexander, born in Scotland, 1708, married Margaret Parks and settled on the extensive tract of land he bought from Borden; it is described as lying near “the Punchbowl” and embraces much of Irish Creek. To his son William, Archibald Alexander sold 208 acres in 1769 for eight pence; here, on April 17, 1772, Archibald Alexander, president of Hampden-Sydney College and founder of Princeton Theological Seminary, was born.